When you experience hypersensitivity (redness, hot flashes, red bumps, etc.), it can be challenging to stay calm, but you can do something about it! Learn how to avoid specific triggers and adequately deal with your sensitivities. Sensitive skin has a deteriorated lipid barrier layer that allows irritants that cause sensitivity and inflammation to pass through. Therefore, you need to avoid:

1) Irritating ingredients

Avoid products containing lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial perfumes, and artificial colors. Scented detergents and fabric softeners may also aggravate sensitivity.

2) Unhealthy Lifestyle 

Want to control your sensitive skin? Pay attention to triggers that may cause your skin reactions. An unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, too much caffeine, and stress can exacerbate hypersensitivity. Smoking also robs your skin off vitamins A and C and clogs your blood vessels, so to speak, suffocating your skin from the inside out. Smoking hastens the formation of wrinkles around the mouth as well. Air pollution also aggravates skin sensitivity. Avoiding polluted areas and using air purifiers at home are good ways to prevent and reduce hypersensitivity.

3) Extreme Temperatures

Cold aggravates sensitive skin, so use products that protect and soothe the skin when it is cold. Avoid baths or showers that are too hot, no matter how cold it is. Wash your face with lukewarm water, not hot water.

Overly hot water removes the lipid layer, the skin’s barrier, making the skin more sensitive. Think of it like butter on a knife. If you dip a buttered knife in cold water, the fat on the knife will not go anywhere. However, if you put it in warm water, that lipid (the skin’s natural oil) will dissolve. The same is true for the lipid layer of the skin. If the shower is too hot or if you use harsh soaps, they tend to wash away the outer protective layer of fat.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays can also irritate the skin. Therefore, use products with SPF daily. Choose physical sunscreens (containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) rather than chemical sunscreens. Products with biological filters are less likely to cause sensitivity because they remain unabsorbed by the skin.

4) Unnecessary Friction

You want to remove dry, dead skin cells, but be gentle with your skin! Avoid intensive exfoliation if you have sensitive skin. Instead, use a gentle exfoliant which will leave your skin glowing. Also, when applying care products, apply them in a gentle, upward motion.

5) Conduct Patch Test

When we are enthusiastic, we want to try many things at once. However, if you have sensitive skin, please refrain from doing so, as it may cause undesirable reactions.

Always make sure to perform a patch test before adding a new product to your skincare regimen. You can conduct a patch test on a small inconspicuous skin area (such as the elbow) before applying to the entire face. Wait at least 24 hours to ensure there’s no skin irritation or redness. If there is no reaction, the product is clear and safe to use.

6) Simplify Your Beauty Routine

Sensitive skin is more easily irritated by excessive products. Choose a cleanser and moisturizer that is gentle to the skin and free of harsh ingredients and fragrances, and stick to the basics. Then slowly add products of your choice.

You may not be able to prevent sensitive skin completely, but you can take steps to prevent it from getting worse and reduce it! With these tips and the right products, you can have healthy, glowing skin.

Do you have any other tips for sensitive skin? Share it with us in the comments below!